John Bilek

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John Bilek, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action during the St. Mihiel offensive, France, September 12, 1918. When the advance of his company was held up by direct enemy machine-gun and artillery fire, Sergeant Bilek displayed unusual courage and leadership when, without orders and on his own initiative, he skillfully led his platoon to a position on the flank of the enemy. He then launched an attack which resulted in capturing several machine guns and many prisoners, thereby enabling his company to continue his advance.